How to Get Rid of a Fever Blister on a Lip

Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1) 2. After the first infection and outbreak, which often occurs in childhood, this virus remains in the body, often in a dormant or inactive stage. However, HSV-1 can become active and cause repeated outbreaks during illness, stress, if your immune system is weak, or when the lip is exposed to trauma or excess sun. These blisters can be painful and embarrassing, and may seem to take forever to clear up. While there is no current way to get rid of HSV-1 in the body, there are steps you can take to lessen pain and discomfort, and reduce the number of days you experience an outbreak.

Without treatment, most fever blisters take a few weeks to heal. Consider using an over-the-counter (OTC) product to speed up the healing process. Abreva (docosanol 10 percent cream) is a readily available OTC option that works by blocking the replication of the virus, however it needs to be applied at the first sign of a blister to be effected. When you feel that characteristic itching and burning that precedes the eruption of the blister, apply Abreva right away, then 5 times daily for up to 10 days.

For faster healing time, another option is to try Viroxin, an single-dose OTC product only available through dental professionals. A comparison of the effectiveness of Abreva and Viroxin was reported in the April 2011 issue of “Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.” This study concluded that both OTC products worked to reduce healing time compared to no treatment 4. But on average, Viroxin users experienced healing in 4 days, compared to 7.6 days for Abreva and 11.5 days for no treatment. In addition, Viroxin users experienced faster pain relief.

Since antiviral agents are not likely to help once the lesion has erupted, sometimes the only available strategy is to relieve pain and prevent the spread of the infection. In this situation, try using lip balm containing cocoa butter or petroleum jelly in order to keep the lesion moist and prevent cracking, which increases the risk of other infections. According to a June 2013 review published in “U.S. Pharmacist,” once the lesion has already formed, a topical anesthetic can also be helpful. For example, Orabase, a 20 percent benzoyl peroxide ointment, can be applied to treat pain and form a barrier to shield the sore from irritation while it heals.

If you suffer from recurrent cold sores or fever blisters, talk to your doctor about prescription options. According to the article in U.S. Pharmacist, there are several antiviral medications that can be used, including acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). If taken at the first sign of a blister, these medications can reduce healing time and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, but they are not a cure for HSV-1. These medications can also have side effects, so your doctor will need to weigh the risks and benefits of antiviral therapy.

Fever blisters or cold sores are usually not serious. But if you have a compromised immune system, or if an infant is exposed to the HSV-1 virus, serious illness can result. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have sores that last more than 2 weeks, if your sores are accompanied by a fever, or if the sores are so severe it is difficult to swallow or eat.